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Abstract

Understanding the human dimensions of recreational fisheries is critical to the development of effective fisheriesmanagement regulations. This study aimed to characterize Australian shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)anglers in terms of their gear use, perceptions on circle hooks, perceptions on sharks and shark conservation, andattitudes towards fisheries management. A targeted web survey was completed by 272 shortfin mako anglersdistributed across southeastern Australia. Responses were compared across angler subgroups in relation to theirstate of residence, membership to an angling club, and tendency to release or keep captured sharks. Overall,anglers' perceptions about how their fishing behaviours and gear choices may affect the survival of releasedshortfin mako sharks were quite in line with existing scientific knowledge though anglers believed their behaviourshave less of an impact on shark stocks than other threats such as commercial fisheries. Gear selection wasdetermined largely by fishing preference (harvest or catch-and-release) of the angler, with those practicingcatch-and-release more frequently using circle hooks. State of residence also influenced the perceptions of anglerstowards sharks and shark survival as well as their attitudes towards fisheries management. Angler supportfor precautionary management suggests that a better understanding of the potential impacts of recreationalfishing on shark stocks may assist in promoting greater accountability and responsible fishing practices amongstthese resource users; however, improved communication between recreational fishers, management authorities,and fisheries scientists is a necessary precursor to this step.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	French, RP and Lyle, JM and Twardek, WM and Cooke, SJ and Semmens, JM
Keywords:	gamefishing, mako shark, angler behaviour and motivation, angling, perceptions, catch-and-release, Australia
Journal or Publication Title:	Marine Policy
Publisher:	Elsevier Sci Ltd
ISSN:	0308-597X
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103550
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2019 Elsevier Ltd.
Related URLs:	Google Scholar: Lyle, JM UTAS Profile: Lyle, JM Google Scholar: Semmens, JM UTAS Profile: Semmens, JM
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